*[1]Ajayi, O. O., 1Sulaimon, S. Y., [2]Olorunniyi O. F., and 3Omoleye, O. S.
1Department of Biological Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria
2Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria 3Department of Veterinary Services, Laboratory Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Ondo State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: ooajayi@jabu.edu.ng
Abstract:
Background: Urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge among school-aged children in Nigeria. The disease is caused by the blood fluke parasite, Schistosoma haematobium and harbored by freshwater snail intermediate hosts. Contact with infected surface water bodies made children vulnerable. This study investigated the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Ipogun community, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A total of 182 school-aged children (5-12 years of age) were randomly selected from the community for the study. Urine samples were collected from each participant on three consecutive days for macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the sediment to detect S. haematobium ova and determine the mean egg counts for positive cases. Information on children activities, knowledge of schistosomiasis and its treatment, socioeconomic status, demographics, risk factors and clinical manifestations, were obtained through structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Associations between variables were determined using ANOVA and Chi square test. Significant level was determined at p≤0.05.
Results: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among the children was 32.4%, with prevalence of 23.1% for haematuria. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was higher in males (34.5%) than females (28.6%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.42). Participants in the 8-10 and 11-12-year age groups had the highest prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis (35.3% each, p=0.36) and those in the age group 11-12 years had the highest haematuria prevalence (35.3%, p=0.18) but the difference in prevalence was not statistically significant. Difference in the mean S. haematobium egg count across the age groups was also not statistically significant (p=0.85).
Conclusion: Since relatively high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was observed in the study area, there is need for urgent attention to control the infection in the study area.
Keywords: urinary schistosomiasis, egg count, prevalence, school-aged children, Ondo State, Nigeria
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